Travelling in Country with Cannabis

On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country in the world – after Uruguay – to legalize cannabis for recreational use. However, even with legalization, there are still strict rules and regulations surrounding the transportation of cannabis.

Most people know that travelling with cannabis internationally could result in serious legal troubles and criminal penalties both in Canada and abroad, but even between provinces, there are rules that cannabis users should be aware of and abide by to stay out of trouble.

First, you must be of legal age. The ages vary by province and territory, but 21 or older is legal across the country.

When travelling with cannabis within Canada, it is imperative to keep it in its original packaging. Only cannabis purchased legally can be transported legally so packaging that outlines the THC and CBD content will demonstrate that the product was purchased from a legal source.

The amount of cannabis you can possess also varies across provinces and territories and travellers must abide by the legal carrying limit.

While cannabis rules are similar across the country, some provinces and territories may have additional restrictions, such as whether it can be consumed in public, so it's crucial to do research ahead of time to understand the local laws.

For example, Quebec and Manitoba have banned homegrown cannabis, so possession of it is illegal in these provinces.

In general, travellers are allowed to carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis, 2,100 grams of liquid cannabis or 5 grams of concentrates. It is best to check one’s luggage if carrying it near the limit. Vape pens, however, must be brought in carry-on luggage.

While it is technically okay to fly with cannabis within Canada, it is still inadvisable. Although highly unlikely, it is possible that a domestic flight could be diverted and forced to land in the US, inadvertently causing the traveller to illegally bring cannabis across the border.

And, of course, cannabis-related accidents or illnesses (e.g. accidents likely caused by being under the influence) will affect emergency medical coverage while travelling, even within the country.

This article originally appeared in THIA News and is reprinted with permission from the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA).